Today I visited the Red Cross blood center in Durham to say hey to long-time platelet center director Mary Spradlin and her colleagues. Until my diagnosis I was a regular donor and enjoyed the experience due mainly to the consistent friendliness and professionalism of the staff. They sent me several encouraging notes over the past few months and I wanted to say thank you. Mary gave me the good news that I can donate again when I reach the one-year anniversary of my last chemo session. She told me that a regular donor at the center has chosen to recruit 40 platelet donors, including many first-timers, to help her celebrate her 40th birthday.
Though I usually feel really good due to daily exercise, keeping a steady weight is still a big problem. I'm learning to eat more slowly, take in smaller portions, and eat more frequently. Not doing real well with the first item.
I'm still considering what to do about the oncologist's recommendation for more chemo. In short, I'm scared to do that (with resulting symptoms of lethargy, food-aversion, possible mood changes) and afraid not to. My inclination is to go ahead and begin use of the pills- three a day for two weeks on, then one off, for 15 weeks- and stop it if or when I decide the negatives are setting me back too much.
For those local readers, please consider dropping by The Depot in Hillsborough this Saturday night 5/12 at 8 PM to hear Red's Rhythm. Frank Hunter has been ably filling in for my vocal parts. It's discouraging not being able to sing, especially on the a cappella harmony beginnings to songs like "Heartache Tonight" (Eagles) and "When Will I Be Loved" (Linda Ronstadt). I got to participate in last Saturday night's Murphey School Radio Show, hosted by Jay Miller and Ebeth Scott-Sinclair of the Shared Visions Foundation and organized by the amazing Donna Campbell and Georgann Eubanks of Minnow Media Productions. The next show in this successful series is set for the first weekend in November.
I was also able to return to a Grange meeting this week- very satisfying to be among those generous and kind friends again.
Hi Peter
ReplyDeleteA tip for small portions - use small plates and measure the amounts. Start with very small portions of favorite food. Remember small plates are in right know. Some of the best restruants are serving small plate service that are shared by two people. Remember 2 small meals are much better for you the 1 large which I am sure leaves you wishing you had not eaten it. Find out what is the goal of the calory count for each meal. This will allow you to plan your meal for a day. It will help keep the
weight from disappearing. Since I have the opposite problem with being able to gain weight at the blink of an eye. Eating small plates is
a way I have learned to stablize a weight loss before reaching for the next goal. I would gladly give you a good 50-60 pounds tomorrow morning - if only it was that easy.
hug - Marie & Dick
A wonderful picture of the two of you!! So happy to hear things are going well.. Think about you and pray..
ReplyDeleteUnhhhhhh (hope I spelled it right), that's the words I kept repeating to myself as I saw this picture. How cute!!! Thank you for the updates. The image posted under May 1 brought back a funny memory for me. I once said physicians and other professionals took an HYPOCRITICAL oath instead of the hippocratic oath.
ReplyDeleteSusan and Peter, don't tell the doctors this story. they are doing a wonderful job.
My thoughts are always with you,
Angelique